Monday, 29 October 2007

writer pip harry

When I was studying to become a journalist most of my fellow students wanted to be travel writers. Writer Pip Harry made turned that idea into a reality. When she's not globetrotting, she's writing, and mentoring other writers.

How long have you been a writer? Since I learnt how to grasp a crayon in my chubby paw. I've been paid money for it since 1997, when I took my first job as a part-time editorial assistant/coffee fetcher on a running magazine.What's been the highlight so far? Getting to write stories that make other people (and me) feel good. Recently, I've loved writing for Notebook magazine about volunteer groups, people making positive changes in their lives and strong, interesting relationships. Travel writing in general is pretty great too and as an entertainment reporter I've met and interviewed so many amazing, talented people.What are you looking forward to? Going to Beijing and Tokyo in four days for a press trip!Who inspires you? I volunteer with a group of homeless writers at the Edward Eagar shelter in Darlinghurst. They inspire me with their unadorned, powerful words and their fight to exist in a world they find challehnging.What are you passionate about? Ocean swimming, creative writing in all it's forms, my family and partner.What's been your best decision? To leave my desk job and work from home as a freelance writer a year ago. It's given me the freedom to write about things I care about, on my own terms and to spend lots of time squeezing my nine-month-old niece, Liv.What would you do differently next time? I would avoid that patch of ice at Treble Cone ski resort in New Zealand, so I didn't tear my calf muscle in two.10 years ago, did you think you'd be where you are now? No. Ten years ago I was living in Melbourne, nannying part-time and considering teaching because writing just wasn't paying the bills. I think I was sleeping on a friends couch and desperately cold calling magazine editors begging for work.What’s next? I want to finish a novel I'm working on (slowly!) for young adults, and perhaps study for a masters degree in creative writing at UTS.What book are you currently reading?Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld, a very smart teen novel; Heat by Bill Buford, a delicious novel about Italian food and cooking; and the UTS Writers Anthology, 2007, a collection of really excellent short stories.

2 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Pip continues to inspire in 2010 - now as a new mum I met her through mothers group. She's a great down to earth mum and very encouraging of those around her to explore their creative yearnings. Thanks for highlighting her - and hope you've had success with your manuscripts.

subscribe via an rss or atom feed

SEARCH DAILY IMPRINT

ABOUT DAILY IMPRINT

Since launching in 2007 Daily Imprint has featured the stories behind some of the world's leading creatives in the visual arts - from artists to photographers and designers to stylists. It became the daily ritual of magazine editors, industry leaders and decision-makers as well as purveyors of good taste. It is also a valued resource for up-and-coming creatives. The site has a strong Australian influence as many of those featured are people who the author Natalie Walton meets during the course of her work as a writer and stylist based in Sydney. For updates and extras follow Daily Imprint on Instagram @dailyimprint - click on the image for a new kind of creative journey.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natalie Walton writes and styles for Australian interior and lifestyle magazines. Her work has been featured in Country Style, Frankie, Harper's Bazaar, House & Garden, Inside Out, Marie Claire and Real Living, among others. In the UK, she has been published in Elle Decoration, Grazia and Living Etc. Advertising clients include Freedom, Harvey Norman, GJ Gardner and Optus. Natalie has also hosted workshops at the Apple store in Bondi and been a speaker at Studio B in the USA. Previously she was deputy editor at Real Living magazine and worked as a news journalist. During this time Natalie produced and presented daily video reports and was a regular speaker on ABC Local Radio.

CONTACT

If you would like to contact Daily Imprint please email contact[at]dailyimprint.net While submissions are welcome, it is not always possible to respond to every email immediately. If you would like to contact Natalie Walton on a separate matter, you can email natalie[at]nataliewalton.com